Letter C

Hans Lützelburger after Hans Holbein the Younger

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a skeleton interacting with an elderly figure within a letter "Q". The scene depicts a bearded, robed figure being led by a skeleton, both intertwined in the loop of a large, capital "Q". The skeleton, with visible ribcage and skull, is shown in profile, grasping the figure's arm. The elderly figure appears to be looking downward, draped in flowing robes. The entire composition is detailed with fine lines. The drawing's square framing, crosshatching for shading, and dramatic subject matter give it the appearance of a scene from a medieval or Renaissance motif.